The Foster Care Need

Every child is a precious, unique gift from God who deserves a loving family and a stable home life. Sadly, each day in Kansas, children are removed from their homes by no fault of their own for a variety of reasons. Often these children — from babies to teens — have been separated from their parents because they are unsafe, abused or neglected or their parents are unable to care for them.

“Whoever receives a little child such as this in my name receives me.”

+ Mark 9:37

Children Who Come to Foster Care

Sometimes kids just need a safe place to live while the adults in their life work through a temporary, difficult situation. These Children come to foster care from all walks of life, all socio-economic groups, and from every community. Many have experienced trauma and are frightened, confused, and lonely.

"And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me."

+ Matthew 18:5

The Church is the Solution!

Because care of the orphan and the works of mercy are part of the mission for all baptized Catholics, we have the grace needed to meet this challenge. If only 2% of Catholics opened their homes to foster for even a short period of time and 5% volunteered in some way to help these kids and their families, we can help these children and the families who care for them THRIVE! Answering this call is part of the Gospel mandate to go forth as missionary disciples, doing the will of God the Father. We are the hands and feet and HOMES for God’s protective care for all His children.

Kansas Foster Care Statistics 2019 from KS DCF

7,484

kids in foster care in Kansas each with a heart, a soul and a name

~2,000

foster homes in Kansas

596

foster homes in Douglas, Wyandotte and Johnson Counties

296

kids removed from homes in Johnson County. Averages to 25/month

1,353

children living in group homes in Douglas, Wyandotte & Johnson Counties

5-10

children in Johnson & Wyandotte Co. are doing 1-night placements while a long-term foster family is located

1 in 3

foster youth will become homeless upon aging out of foster care without a family.

1 in 5

foster youth will be incarcerated upon aging out of foster care without a family.

60%

of children (4490) in foster care have a goal of reunification with their families.

32%

of children (2394) in foster care have a goal of adoption.

> 50%

over half of foster parents/families quit within the first year

4%

of children needing placement are less than 1 yr old

30%

of children needing placement are 1-5 yrs old

20%

of children needing placement are 6-10 yrs old

24%

of children needing placement are 11-15 yrs old

21%

of children needing placement are 16-18 yrs old

Understanding the "Foster Care System"

This infographic, created by the Foster Care Ministry of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, provides an overview of the foster care system, illustrating the key steps from case investigation to various outcomes for children. It highlights both prevention services and the decisions made within the foster care process to ensure children's safety and well-being.

Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas 66109

archkck@archkck.org

Site Design by Lee McMahon

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